Former standout Neil Jones returns for his fourth season on the sidelines after having a tremendous playing career at UCSB.
A 2004 graduate from UC Santa Barbara, Jones enters his third year as a member of the coaching staff after spending one season playing professionally for the Queensland Roar of the Hyundai A-League, Australian soccer's top division.
A four-year starter at UCSB, Jones amassed 28 goals and 16 assists during his career. An academic All-American and two-time All-Big West striker, he was an integral part of the Gauchos' 2004 squad that was ranked No. 1 for most of the season, finished with a school-record 21 wins, and advanced to the national championship match, only to fall to Indiana in penalty kicks.
Having competed at the pinnacle of Division I soccer in the states, Jones proved to be an invaluable asset during Santa Barbara's title run in 2006.
Jones has also spent time competing at the national level as a member of New Zealand's National Team. He earned his first two full international caps playing for New Zealand's World Cup squad and scored two goals in the Kiwi's win over Tahiti during the OFC Nation's Cup. Jones also played in the U-17 World Cup Finals with the national team.
A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Jones earned a bachelor's degree in geography from UCSB and holds a master's degree in educational leadership and organizations, also from UCSB.